Written By Lisa Murimi
A French court has sentenced former Rwandan doctor Eugène Rwamucyo, 65, to 27 years in prison for his involvement in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
Rwamucyo was convicted of complicity in genocide, complicity in crimes against humanity, and conspiracy to spread propaganda and conceal evidence of mass killings.
However, he was acquitted of direct charges of genocide and crimes against humanity, which he denied.
This case marks the eighth genocide-related trial held in France.
An estimated 800,000 people, primarily Tutsis and moderate Hutus, were killed in the 100-day massacre led by Hutu extremists.
While prosecutors acknowledged no direct evidence of Rwamucyo committing executions or torture, they argued his inflammatory anti-Tutsi rhetoric incited violence, contending that “one can kill with words.”
Witnesses claimed Rwamucyo encouraged Hutu militiamen to attack Tutsi civilians and helped bury victims in mass graves to destroy evidence.
Rwamucyo’s lawyers plan to appeal, stating his role in the burials was to prevent a public health crisis.
The prosecution had sought a 30-year sentence, while survivors advocated for a life term.
Rwamucyo, previously sentenced to life in absentia by a Rwandan court, was arrested in France in 2010 but escaped extradition.
